2014, 2019: Where Will the Horse World Be?
Here's a question that was posed to me while I was at the Idaho horse expo, and it's a good one for your comments:
Where do you think the horse world will be in 5 years? In 10 years?
Get out those crystal balls, and let's see what you all come up with.
posted by Juli Thorson @ 2:25 PM
9 comments
9 Comments:
Didn't you hear...the world is supposed to end in 2012? Just kidding I really don't beleive that stuff. Hopefully horses will be seen as a positive experience for kids/families and that responsible horse ownership is stressed.
The slaughter question will be resolved, hopefully through intelligent breeding and responsible horse ownership.
Western Versatility will grow and expand with more people jumping in on the fun.
Futurities will be for four-year-olds, derbies for five and six- year-olds and the majority of prize money will go to the "senior" bridle classes in the NRCHA.
I'll be a non-pro again, (finally) and my sound, sane horses will go take all that senior bridle horse $$$$.
I don't even like to think about it. Better yet, can you imagine what the response would have been if people were asked that same question 100 years ago? How about 50 years ago? I hate to sound so 'doom and gloom', but there's already a shortage of competent large animal vets and farriers, town seems to be closing in from all directions- no matter where you live (which invites all the whiners and complainers to crawl out of the woodwork), untrained horses are being abandoned at alarming rates, unwanted animals overflow from the rescues who have tried to make a difference, and day to day maintenance costs have gone through the roof. Of course we've all seen what a bale of hay or stall shavings has skyrocketed to, and don't get me started on all the other necessities. Already, my horses see a vet or a dentist before *I* do, and I'm in a much better position than many other posters I've seen. I've asked myself where this is all heading, so many times it isn't funny. I just see many 'lifers' letting go of their dreams and animals and electing to talk about 'the good old days.' *insert little sad faced emoticon, here.*
I like Mugwumps vision~I hope it comes true!
I think the die hards will continue to own horses no matter he costs. I think that not as many young people will be involved though- soccer and ice skating are a lot cheaper and easier for the mommies to deal with.
I think every 'lifer' needs to start mentoring a youngster now- its the only way to ensure our sport remains viable. Already the other sports are trying to move in on trails, our arenas, our land and barns - even so far as regulating how and where and why we ride. We have to monitor our own pieces of the world so that doesn't happen.
I don't get NEARLY enough time to reply to comments as much as I would like, but I really must jump up and agree wholeheartedly with Vaquerogirl:
If we want to see the horse world continue, all of us lifers MUST start mentoring others into our horse world. Like, right now.
We absolutely, positively, have to become our own missionaries of one, and make share/care with someone else a personal objective.
The world at large is not going to do this for us. We have to be our own stimulus package!
(There is a reason why I've assumed care of two more horses than I'd planned on...they each have a new horse family to go with them.)
Okay this wont be popular but hey it’s only a crystal ball. I think that our industry sits on a fine line at the moment between increased governmental regulation and the social license to continue as we always have. Issues like slaughter and trainer abuses are highlighting how our self regulation (as an industry) leaves us vulnerable to outside influences such as PETA (that seek to end all animal use) and government politics that doesn’t understand our industry/issues (political leverage).
The changing world of whose getting into and out of horses is going to pose a difficult situation for us (as an industry). When you get too small it gets harder to receive funding, recognition and lobbying power. I do see some bright spots in all this. Increased pressure from groups such as PETA and the general public might see some of our worst practices phased out. The industry on a whole will become more accountable for the actions and practices surrounding the care of our animals. The economic downturn will focus the breeding practices of many as its no longer viable to breed many low end horses. Horse may become more accessible as folks move back out to rural areas to reduce their costs of living. I like the suggestions to take a newbie under our wings, I love introducing horses to children. ‘nough outta me!
Adrienne.
I like Mugwumps vision. I hope it comes true as well. My daughter is 12 and is about as horse crazy as they come. I hope to nourish and encourage this so she becomes a "lifer" and can pass it on.
just call me Pollyanna.
I think the expense of owning horses is going to collapse a lot of people in the next 3-4 years. After that how the horse world does will depend on those that 1)still have property to use and 2)those that still have jobs to support horses.
I think that local shows .may. make a comeback, if there is room and interest in setting up rings and such.
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